Chapter 5 #2
“Rory is one of those Moncriefs,” Barrett says, having assumed my startled expression has something to do with the current conversation, and not the one that was quickly stifled by divine or premeditated intervention.
“Oh. Right. We’re staying in one of your hotels,” I stammer. “It’s lovely. Thank you.”
Although I’ve turned my head in Rory’s direction, I’m still looking at Ash’s retreating figure. He didn’t acknowledge me at all, and my annoyance takes me by surprise. I need to know what he’s thinking.
“Barrett, could I be a nuisance and have a quick chat about our new conference center?” Rory asks. He’s looking at me when he adds, “I promise I won’t keep him long.”
Quinn steps closer. “I was about to pay a visit to the restroom. Belle can come with me.”
“That’s settled then,” Rory says, pulling Barrett away. His tone lowers. “I might have a deal that could be beneficial to both of us.”
Barrett hesitates. “Will you be OK?” he asks me.
After building myself up for a confrontation and getting zero reaction from Ash, I’m less eager to leave than I should be. “I’m good. Quinn and I can have that quick catch up.”
Quinn takes my arm and leads me through the throng.
I can’t see Ash, but I spot Maddie talking to other guests just as a man approaches her from behind.
His stature and features mark him easily as a Griffin.
He slips an arm around her waist, and as he pulls her against his chest, she sinks into him.
He’s smiling as he kisses her neck, but his gaze hardens the second he spies me.
Ash may be guarding his feelings, but the rest of the family haven’t attempted to hide their open hostility.
I look away, searching for the other brothers. “Is Reid here?” I ask.
“He’ll be around somewhere,” Quinn says as she leads me down a corridor.
I see a sign on the door for the restroom, but Quinn pulls me to a stop outside.
“It is good to see you,” she says.
I glance up and down the corridor. A couple of security guards had passed us, but they’re heading for the foyer. Quinn and I are alone for now. I guess we’re having the conversation here rather than in a room full of toilet stalls where we could be overheard.
“I’m sorry I ignored your calls,” I say. “You do understand why, don’t you?”
She gives me a knowing look. “I think we all know now,” she says. “That was some secret you kept.”
“Not well enough apparently.”
Quinn’s connection with the Griffins is what finally brought an end to my life in hiding, and as much as I’d like go through everything that’s happened, my immediate concern is for the future.
There’s one question I can’t hold back any longer.
“Is Ash planning on just ignoring me completely? Do you know if he’s going to push to meet Piper? ”
“Only he can answer that, Cla– Is it still Clara? Or do we call you Belle now?”
“Barrett calls me Belle,” I reply. I’m not sure who I am anymore. Or who I want to be.
“Because that’s the name he first knew you by, when you were in college together.”
Quinn says it as a statement of fact. I really don’t have any secrets left. “Someone’s been thorough with their homework.”
“We want to protect Ash, that’s all,” she says. “And we can only do that if we’re ready for whatever surprises are around the corner.” She manages a smile. “I also care about you and Piper, and I want to help where I can. I’d love us to be friends again.”
“I want that too,” I say, my confession choking me. I’ve moved so often in the last few years that it’s been difficult to establish female friendships. I’m tired of feeling isolated. I understand where her loyalties lie, but maybe there’s a way where the Griffins don’t have to come between us.
Quinn notices me blinking away tears and puts a hand on my arm. “I’m always at the other end of the phone if ever you need me.”
“And you can call me too.”
“Will you answer?” Quinn asks. “Or should I say, will you unblock my number?”
I blush. That’s exactly what I did. “I’ll unblock you,” I promise. “I wouldn’t want to miss any baby news. When’s it due?”
“November.”
I want to be excited for her, but I know the worry that comes with carrying a Griffin’s child. “Are you happy, Quinn? Are you safe? Tandy seemed to think you’d got into trouble with those horrible Russians who took over Barrett’s estate.”
“Yes, I’m safe. And I’m blissfully happy with Reid,” Quinn says.
Her brow furrows. “Can you say the same about Barrett? I know you felt obligated to him for giving you a job after Ethan died, but I would never have guessed you saw him that way.” She tips her head to the third finger of my left hand.
I straighten the large diamond ring that feels cumbersome sitting atop my wedding band. “I’m hoping life will settle down for all of us.”
“You always were diplomatic,” Quinn says with a wry smile that disappears all too soon. “I’d love to talk more, but I have to go. Things will work out, Belle. Just keep an open mind, and above all, don’t put your trust in the wrong person. That’s all I ask.”
And with that, Quinn heads back up the corridor. I look from her to the restroom. I thought… She just wanted to talk to me, and I’m glad she did.
In no rush to return to the foyer, I push open the restroom door and step into a brightly lit room.
I’m surprised to find rows of racking laden with supply boxes.
I can’t see any washbasins or stalls, but then this is a refuge not a five-star hotel.
I walk to the far end, expecting another door that might lead to toilet facilities, but the storeroom is exactly as it appears.
Four walls. And one door that opens again behind me.
Heavy footfalls come to stop, and the door closes.
A shudder runs down my spine as I feel his gaze on me. I don’t turn around. I take one, two, three deep breaths. And then…
“Hello, Mrs. Emerson.”